Hillwest Legal provides wills and estate planning services for individuals and families across the Hills District and Greater Western Sydney. Whether you need to create a will for the first time, update an existing will after a major life change, appoint a power of attorney, or navigate the probate process after a loved one has passed, we offer clear, practical legal guidance at every step.
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Our wills & estates services
Will and power of attorney
A will ensures your assets go where you want them to. A power of attorney ensures someone you trust can act on your behalf if you lose capacity. We prepare both documents together as part of a comprehensive estate plan covering your property, superannuation, guardianship of minor children, and any specific gifts or wishes.
Probate
When someone passes away, their estate usually needs to go through probate before assets can be distributed. We guide executors through the probate application process in NSW from filing the application with the Supreme Court to administering the estate and distributing assets to beneficiaries.
Why choose Hillwest Legal for wills & estates
Straightforward process. We've structured our wills and estate planning service to be as simple as possible. You provide your instructions, we prepare the documents, and we walk you through everything before you sign.
Fixed-fee pricing. Our standard will and power of attorney packages are offered at fixed fees. You know what you're paying before we start.
Hills District office. Our Hills District office is convenient for clients across the Hills District. We understand the community we serve and the practical realities our clients face from young families buying their first home to retirees planning for the next generation.
Connected services. Estate planning often intersects with other legal needs. If you're buying property, we can prepare your conveyancing and will at the same time. If you're going through a separation, we can update your will alongside your family law matter.
When to update your will
Many people create a will and then forget about it. But a will that doesn't reflect your current circumstances can create serious problems for your family. You should review and update your will whenever:
- You get married or enter a de facto relationship (marriage revokes an existing will in NSW)
- You separate or divorce
- You have children or grandchildren
- You purchase or sell significant assets particularly property
- A named executor or beneficiary passes away or becomes unsuitable
- You want to change how your estate is distributed
- Your financial position changes significantly
- You move to a different state (laws vary between jurisdictions)
If any of these apply to you, it's worth having your existing will reviewed by a solicitor. In many cases, a new will is the simplest solution.
The importance of powers of attorney
A will only takes effect after you pass away. A power of attorney covers you while you're alive specifically, if you lose the capacity to make decisions for yourself due to illness, accident, or cognitive decline.
In NSW, there are two types of power of attorney:
General power of attorney. Allows someone to act on your behalf for financial and legal matters while you have capacity. This is often used for convenience for example, if you're overseas and need someone to manage your affairs.
Enduring power of attorney. Remains valid even after you lose capacity. This is the critical one for estate planning it ensures someone you trust can pay your bills, manage your investments, and make financial decisions on your behalf if you're unable to do so.
We also assist with enduring guardianship appointments, which allow you to nominate someone to make lifestyle, health and medical decisions on your behalf if you lose capacity.
Serving the Hills District and Greater Sydney
We prepare wills and estate planning documents for clients across the Hills District including Castle Hill, Baulkham Hills, Kellyville, Rouse Hill, Norwest, The Ponds, Stanhope Gardens, Cherrybrook, Winston Hills, Marsden Park, Schofields and Riverstone as well as Blacktown, Parramatta, Penrith, Liverpool, Hornsby, Epping and Carlingford.
Frequently asked questions about wills & estates
Related services
- Conveyancing Buying property? Get your will sorted at the same time.
- Binding financial agreements Protecting assets alongside your estate plan.
- Separation agreements Separating? Update your will and estate plan.
The information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your circumstances, please contact us directly.